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Zinc for batteries
Wed, 05/26/2010 - 14:26
Any chemical engineers in here? I've got a question for you.
Why is zinc used as the choice material in hearing aid batteries? What are the pros and cons of using zinc?
Also, if zinc is so good, then why don't they use it in all other types of batteries?
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 14:16
#2
Zinc -air energy density is VERY high but power output is pretty low.
They are good if you're wanting a long batterie life for low-drain applications, for example, hearing aids.
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 14:25
#3
They've been using zinc in batteries for over 100 yrs.
Electro-potential is what drives electrons to flow from one place to another.
Zinc has a high electro-potential when it is coupled with many other common materials.
Go find a good high school chemistry book and you can learn more of the details in depth. This is just a brief overview.
Jack
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 14:29
#4
Zinc is more green (enviromentally friendly) than others such as cadmium (Cd).
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 00:37
#5
Zinc batteries work best with low or moderate power requirements. With every use the voltage drops until it is time to throw it away. The Carbon Zinc is limited for use in some of the newer portable electronic products with their higher drain requirements, but is still good for flashlights and intermittent use.
I've heard that Zinc Air batteries contain less mercury and are therfore safer. Thats why they changed to zinc instead of using mercury. Not sure if this is the actual reason though.